SEO writing: HOW TO – short manual Part I

We have all heard about it, know about it, even spoke about it at some point but it was only generalities. But actually, how much do we really know about SEO writing?

Yes, in theory you might think you know about it, but can you explain it to others? In this 5-part manual, we’ll try to get to the bottom of SEO writing and help everyone understand all about it.

What does it mean?

If we follow the textbook definition, SEO = Search Engine Optimization writing. “It is writing that is focused on grabbing the attention of the search engines using specific, targeted words or phrases (called keywords or keyword phrases) and using them in specific ways.”

So let’s break the definition down.

“it is writing that is focused on grabbing the attention…” – this kind of writing can be on any topic. It can be creative, it can be structural and well-organized, it can be a fluff-piece, it can be something about technology with specific tech terms. It can be anything you want and you don’t need a journalism diploma to learn how to write. Just try to be as creative as possible and it’s not a problem if you put a personal touch into it. You can develop your own style.

“…of the search engines using specific, targeted words or phrases (called keywords or keyword phrases) …” – you’ll have to use the specific keywords that will project your article in front and make it easier to find on any search engine. Each article has a specific target and subject. You’ll just have to find that keyword and phrase and find a place for it, in your creative writing.

“…and using them in specific ways.” – so it makes sense in the article, and also optimize the search. Maybe the most basic recommendation would be that everything has to make sense, and be optimized for the search. SEO is about making search (and life ) easier.

Basically, SEO is the process of making sure a website and its content are easy to understand, easy to use and easy to find using a search engine. It is a form of writing that helps websites become more visible to search engines. And because engines have gotten better and better over the years, SEO also had to evolve and optimize to solve the searcher’s needs. And the writing as well, had to become good enough to be ranked to the top of the search results.

There’s no doubt that becoming a SEO writing specialist takes time. And if you start from scratch, you’ll be in a constant learning process even after you’ve started doing it. Don’t forget what it means, what you use it for and what is your purpose with it.

So you can either be a copywriter, journalist, editor or other content creator. Once you’ve fully understood what SEO means and does, it’ll be much easier to start doing it.